Diagnosis and management of human papillomavirus infections

The diagnosis and treatment of HPV infections and HPV-induced malignancies continue to evolve. Although the natural history of cervical disease is well-established, the courses of anal dysplasias and cutaneous neoplasms in immunocompromised individuals are less well-established. Polymerase chain reaction continues to develop as the most effective means for identifying and typing HPV infections. The primary for treatment of HPV-induced neoplasms is excision; adjuvant therapeutic agents are poorly studied and are often minimally effective. Therapeutic immunization with an HspE7 vaccine offers promise for both prevention of HPV infection and treatment of HPV-induced neoplasms.